Well, I was just about finished with my Z, but that was last week. On Thursday had an encounter with a rack of mailboxes. When I later settled up with the owner he told me that the support was built out of railroad ties. I hit 2 supports directly with the front end.

One thing that never ceases to amaze me about Datsuns is the pounding they can take and still get you home. I've never crashed one but I've driven them pretty hard. So with some dinging (4lb sledge) I was able to get a different radiator back in (whole story behind that acquisition) and drive the car from Paso Robles to LA yesterday.

Consequently, I am currently looking for a '73 rolling shell with a good front end in the So Cal area. If anyone knows of one or has one I would like to speak with you.

If anyone wants to see the carnage let me know and I'll try to post. It's shocking but at least you know the story ended ok.

Almost as disappointing is the roads and views I missed out on Day 2. That has been my favorite day in the past 2 years' runs. If you want to see pics and descriptions you can to the Bring a Trailer site here.

http://bringatrailer.com/2011/04/09/2011-targa-california-heaven-and-hail/

I was surprised to see the changes to the site, and I'm sure once I've figured it out it will be a splendid upgrade. Thanks to those of you that keep this going.

Todd

Edited April 15, 201114 yr by tlorber

According to one of the 510 guys Datsun was the third most represented manufacturer on the run between the dimes and the Zzzzzzz.

Todd,did my gears cause that?

Bill, it was not your gears, it was way too much speed and an unanticipated 90* turn. I should have gone straight and turned around and come back, but wasn't thinking.

Hard to believe this car made it back home.

Edited April 15, 201114 yr by tlorber

Honestly, it doesn't look that bad. I think once you peel off the hood and bumper you will be suprised how easily you can pull most of the damage out. Got pics of the eng. bay?

Beginning of Rally

Early June

Early July

Mid July

OK so I've been limping along with the repairs on my car. So far I've replaced the following:

-Front Cross Member

-Left side Lower Control Arm

-Lower radiator support (drilled out from another car and welded in to this one)

-Right fender, headlight scoop, headlight bucket

-Hood

-Grill

-Bumper + supports waiting to go on

-Windshield needs to be installed.

Car should be drivable within the next few weeks, which I'm really looking forward to.

So, if you don't mind me asking, what was the price range of the hoods you looked at.

Horseman, I bought a bunch of parts from a guy- front bumper + supports + rubber insulators, rear bumper (just because) grill, hood + hinges and a couple of other pieces for $450.00. I believe we accounted for the hood at around $150.00 and it is in good shape i.e. no dents at the front end. There was a small ding in the middle of the flat part which was easy to remove with a dinging spoon.

Most of the hoods I have come across have had damage in the front. Prices have been between $50.00-$250.00.

Before buying a hood you need to see this video. I'm sure this guy makes it look easier than it is, but you might at least consider this procedure.

That wont work for my hood damage

.

Look at how the front of the hood is pushed down and caved in at the forward support. The right is before, the left after.

Edited July 20, 201113 yr by 5thhorsemann

So after 4 months of repair work, I was finally able to the the car out on some canyon roads this morning.

Granted, it has the face only a mother could love, but at least it is drivable.

Now onto removing fender and door dents before prepping for new paint.

So I took my car to the body shop last week.

Body/Paint guy is telling me it should be ready the first week of December.

Thanks to some on this site I will be going with 744 Brillian Silver.

She will come out looking like new. Worth the work and wait...